GREAT NORTHERN ADVENTURES IN THE DOLOMITES

Dogsledding experiences

The dogsledding experience remains a bucket list activity for many travellers. When travelling on a sledge pulled by a Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute, adventurers truly feel the freedom awarded by working with animals as strong and as loyal as these dogs. Visit Trentino where you can step into the shoes of the characters of Jack London’s tales and embark on an adrenaline-inducing race through the woods and mountains.

At the Athabaska Dogsledding School in Madonna di Campiglio, you can experience the thrill of a real "Dogsledd baptism" by personally guiding a sledge pulled by dogs. Take an introductory course to learn all the basics of how to drive a sledge and take a practical test to play the role of a real musher. For more information visit www.athabaska.info

Armen Khatchikian is a historical figure of dog sledging in Italy and so is his Italian Sleddog Progress School in Passo Tonale. Their guiding courses are suitable for those aged 12 and up, but they also organise introductory mushing courses for children aged 8 to 14. Take your colleagues on a corporate team-building husky-trekking trip; a dog-led hike in which participants must master the skill of managing the guide dog and keeping up with it. For more information visit www.scuolaitalianasleddog.it

Winter Trekking by sleigh or on horseback

A horse-drawn sleigh ride is a romantic and comfortable way to discover the landscapes of Paganella in winter, long perfected by residents of the mountains to transport men and freight transport in the winter months. Become enchanted by the landscape, paths and snow-covered forests of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, accompanied by the tinkling of horse bells, wrapped in warm blankets while onboard a comfortable sleigh. The Andalo Horse Riding Centre organises one-hour excursions, but there are many other activities offered by the riding school including horse and pony rides for children. For more information call 0461 585900 or email centroequitazioneandalo@virgilio.it

On the Alpe Cimbra, you can travel in a carriage while enjoying an Trentodoc based aperitif. An exciting tour, along the snow-covered paths that allows you to appreciate the area of the Ecken Biotope while comfortably seated. For more information visit www.alpecimbra.it

In the Valle di Primiero, you can climb onboard a carriage drawn by the mighty Noriker horses, an ancient breed of horse. These horses have a particular endurance which was historically used by the Roman army during military campaigns to discover the valley and its farming traditions. For more information visit www.sanmartino.com/IT/giri-in-troika/

Accompanied by experienced instructors, you can admire the snowy landscape of the Val di Fassa, filling your lungs with fresh air while riding magnificent horses. The Charlotte Horse Riding Centre is in Campitello, on the Ischia plain, and is one of the few in the valley open all year round. This is a FISE (Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports) centre specialising in country riding with qualified guides and instructors, but it differs from others in that it rescues horses from abuse and takes in horses that have been abandoned. The centre patiently looks after and re-trains the horses using the gentle technique of Monty Roberts. To date, the centre has rescued about 30 animals and has about 20 in their enclosures. Carlotta and her staff organise walks and lessons in the snow ranging from 30 minutes to full-day treks, making them suitable for everyone. You cross the expanses that line the Avisio and climb to panoramic points to admire the villages from above with the peaks of Pordoi and Gran Vernel within sight. For more information visit https://www.fassa.com/EN/CharlotteHorseRiding/

Wildlife watching

The experience of wildlife watching in Val di Sole takes place in the Stelvio National Park, a park known for environmental protection. For this reason, you are more likely to spot wild animals: deer, birds, squirrels, marmots, hares, roe deer, badgers, and foxes. At certain times of the day, especially at sunrise and dusk, the animals feel particularly safe in the silence of the woods and move freely. It is at these times that it is easiest to spot them. You will be accompanied by an expert who knows the habits of the fauna and its usual routes and will teach you how to move in a way that respects the animals and the environment. The guide will share some secrets about the animals and plants that inhabit these forests. The excursion ends with a stop at a mountain hut for a slice of traditional local cake. For more information visit www.ursusadventures.it

Take precautions in the mountains

Before leaving for a hike at high altitude you must ensure you carefully plan your day and, if you are tackling a trail classified as very technically difficult or, if you are a beginner, always trust an alpine guide. It is always advisable to contact the mountain hut in the area you want to visit to get information on the route and the weather conditions, to make sure that you wear appropriate clothing for your excursion.

Further info: www.visittrentino.info/en/articles/ski-and-fun/top-winter-experiences